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ADHD Awareness Week – The Power Understanding Brings
By Neil Peterson | September 17, 2009
‘Knowledge is Power.’ This quote by Sir Francis Bacon was the premise of a speech presented on behalf of New Zealand’s Minister for Disability Issues by Hon. Tariana Turia, at the kick-off seminar for their observance of ADD/ADHD Awareness Week. And although this quote can be used in a myriad of contexts, on this particular subject, it is the epitome of truth. There is much we don’t know about ADHD – what everyday life looks like for those who have been diagnosed, what causes it, how we can better support (in personal ways, and via our health care system) further research and understanding. While no one person holds the answers to these queries, there is still much we can learn.
In 2003, the U.S. Senate passed their first resolution regarding the observance of ADHD Awareness Week. Since then it has become an annual event, as people around the world take part in community-organized events, seminars, and fundraisers – all designed to empower those with the disorder, and to further understanding about this (often misunderstood) condition. This year’s event is occurring this week (September 14th – 20th) and whether you are showing your support by participating in a local event, or wearing an orange ribbon, I hope you’ll take a moment to read further for some basic information on ADHD.
What is ADHD?
In medical terms, ADHD is a neurobehavioral developmental disorder. The most common signs of ADHD are a significant lack of focus, inability to complete tasks, fidgeting, being impatient, and daydreaming. (This is by no means an exhaustive list, but are the characteristics that appear most often.)
Does ADHD only occur in children?
No. Although there have been innumerable reports on the rising rates of diagnoses in school-aged children, ADHD does affect adults as well. Recent estimates are as high as 8 million adults with ADHD in the U.S. alone. Greater understanding of the disorder in the medical community has brought attention to the often undiagnosed occurrences in adults – and providing a variety of treatments for those who have struggled with a condition that has been unknown to them for their entire lives.
Adult ADHD
Is ADHD caused by poor parenting, or the lack of proper classroom attention by teachers?
NO. This is probably the most widely circulated – and harmful – myth regarding ADHD. Medical evidence has discovered a genetic link to the disorder, and those who have been diagnosed have often witnessed similar characteristics in members of their immediate and extended family. It has also common that a parent will be diagnosed only after their child has been – finally understanding that their lifelong difficulties were not due to fault of their own, but an undiagnosed condition.
As far as we have come, socially and scientifically, in understanding the causes and treatments of ADHD, we still have miles to go. For every parent, teacher, and child, each step we can take to be more compassionate and understanding is a lifeline to those who live each day with the unique challenges of this disorder. ADHD Awareness Week is a positive step, but as we honor the spirit of this week, it is important to remember that for those living with ADHD, it is a lifelong struggle.
Related Posts
- Why We Should All be Interested in ADHD
- The Uncertain Maze of Funding for ADHD Treatment
- ADHD and Health Care Reform
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Topics: ADD & ADHD, Education, General, Overcoming disabilities, Politics | 1 Comment »
September 20th, 2009 at 3:32 am
For the ADHD Awareness week it’s good to focus on abilities that inattentive and hyperactive people have. There’s a great song celebrating that things which came out recently. Everyone should check it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIn9yOZQNok